THE CINEMATOGRAPH ACT, 1952 

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ARRANGMENT OF SECTIONS 

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PART I 

PRELIMINARY 

SECTIONS 

1. Short title, extent and commencement. 

2. Definitions. 

2A. [Omitted]. 

PART II 

CERTIFICATION OF FILMS FOR PUBLIC EXHIBITION 

3. Board of film Certification. 

4. Examination of films. 

5. Advisory panels. 

5A. Certification of films. 

5B. Principles of guidance in certifying films. 

5C. Appeals. 

5D. [Omitted.] 

5E. Suspension and revocation of certificate. 

5F. Review of orders by Central Government. 

6. Revisonal powers of the Central Government. 

6A. Information and documents to be given to distributors and exhibitors with respect to certified 

films. 

6B. [Omitted.] 

7. Penalties for contraventions of this Part. 

7A. Power of seizure. 

7B. Delegation of powers by Board. 

7C. Power to direct exhibition of films for examination. 

7D. Vacancies, etc., not to invalidate proceeding. 

7E. Members of the Board and advisory panels to be public servants. 

7F. Bar of legal proceedings. 

8. Power to make rules. 

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SECTIONS 

9. Power to exempt. 

REGULATION OF EXHIBITIONS BY MEANS OF CINEMATOGRAPHS 

PART III 

10. Cinematograph exhibitions to be licensed. 

11. Licensing authority. 

12. Restrictions on powers of licensing authority. 

13. Power of Central Government or local authority to suspend exhibition of films in certain cases. 

14. Penalties for contravention of this Part. 

15. Power to revoke licence. 

16. Power to make rules. 

17. Power to exempt. 

18. Repeal. 

PART IV 

REPEAL 

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THE CINEMATOGRAPH ACT, 1952 
ACT NO. 37 OF 19521 

[21st March, 1952.] 
An  Act  to  make  provision  for  the  certification  of  cinematograph  films  for  exhibition  and  for 

regulating exhibitions by means of cinematographs. 
BE it enacted by Parliament as follows:— 

PART I 
PRELIMINARY 

1.  Short  title,  extent  and  commencement.—(1)  This  Act  may  be  called  the  Cinematograph                   

Act, 1952. 

(2)  Parts  I,  II  and  IV  extends  to  the  whole  of  India 2*  *  *  and  Part  III  extends  to 3[the  Union 

territories] only. 

(3) This Act shall come into force on such date4 as the Central Government may, by notification in 

the Official Gazette, appoint: 

5[Provided that Parts I and II shall come into force in the State of Jammu and Kashmir only on such 
date after the commencement of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 1973 (26 of 1973), as the Central 
Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.] 
STATE AMENDMENTS 

Ladakh (UT).— 

Section 1.—In sub-section (3), omit the proviso. 

[Vide Union Territory of Ladakh Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020, notification 
No. S.O. 3774(E), dated (23-10-2020).] 

2. Definitions.—In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— 

(a) “adult” means a person who has completed his eighteenth year; 
6[(b) “Board” means the Board of Film Certification constituted by the Central Government under 

section 3;] 

7[(bb) “certificate” means the certificate granted by the Board under section 5A;] 
(c) “cinematograph” includes any apparatus for the representation of moving pictures or series of 

pictures; 

(d) “district magistrate”, in relation to a presidency-town, means the Commissioner of Police; 
8[(dd) “film” means a cinematograph film;] 

(e) “place” includes a house, building, tent and any description of transport, whether by sea, land 

or air; 

(f) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; 

1. This Act has been extended to Dadra and Nagar Haveli by Reg. 6 of 1963, s. 2 and Schedule, Goa, Daman and Diu by Reg. 11 

of 1963, s. 3 and Schedule. 

Parts  I  and  II  of  the  Act  shall  come  into  force  in  the  State  of  Jammu  and  Kashmir  (w.e.f.  1-5-1974):  vide  notification             

No. G.S.R. 183(E), dated 23-4-1974. 

Part  III  of  the  Act  shall  come  into  force  in  the  Union  territory  of  Arunachal  Pradesh  on  (w.e.f.  1-10-1984):  vide 

notification No. S.O. 757(E), dated 29-10-1984. 

2. The words “except the State of Jammu and Kashmir” omitted by Act 25 of 1973, s. 2. 
3. Subs. by Act 3 of 1959, s. 2, for “Part C States”. 
4. 28th July, 1952, Information and Broadcasting Ministry's Notification No. S.R.O. 1066, dated the 10th June, 1952, see Gazette 

of India, 1952, Part II, s. 3. 

5. The proviso added by Act 25 of 1973, s. 2. 
6. Subs. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 2, for clause (b) (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
7. Ins. by s. 2, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
8. Ins. by Act 3 of 1959, s. 3. 

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1[(g)  “regional  officer”  means  a  regional  officer  appointed  by  the  Central  Government  under 

section 5 and includes an additional regional officer and an assistant regional officer; 

2* 

* 

* 

* 

*.] 

2A.  [Construction  of  references  to  any  law  not  in  force  or  any  functionary  not  in  existence  in  the 
State  of  Jammu  and  Kashmir.]—Omitted  by  the  Jammu  and  Kashmir  Reorganization  (Adaptation  of 
Central  Laws)  Order,  2020,  vide  notification  No.  S.O.  1123(E)  dated  (18-3-2020)  and  Vide  Union 
Territory  of  Ladakh  Reorganisation  (Adaptation  of  Central  Laws)  Order,  2020,  notification  No.  S.O. 
3774(E), dated (23-10-2020). 

PART II 

CERTIFICATION OF FILMS FOR PUBLIC EXHIBITION 

3[3. Board of film Certification.—(1) For the purpose of sanctioning films for public exhibition, the 
Central  Government  may,  by  notification  in  the  Official  Gazette,  constitute  a  Board  to  be  called  the 
4[Board of Film Certification] which shall consist of a Chairman and 5[not less than twelve and not more 
than twenty-five] other members appointed by the Central Government. 

(2) The Chairman of the Board shall receive such salary and allowances as may be determined by the 
Central  Government,  and  the  other  members  shall  receive  such  allowances  or  fees  for  attending  the 
meetings of the Board as may be prescribed. 

(3) The other terms and conditions of service of the members of the Board shall be such as may be 

prescribed.] 

4. Examination of films.—(1) Any person desiring to exhibit any film shall in the prescribed manner 
make an application to the Board for a certificate in respect thereof, and the Board may, after examining 
or having the film examined in the prescribed manner,— 

(i) sanction the film for unrestricted public exhibition: 6* * * 

7[Provided that, having regard to any material in the film, if the Board is of the opinion that it is 
necessary to caution that the question as to whether any child below the age of twelve years may be 
allowed to see such a film should be considered by the parents or guardian of such child, the Board 
may sanction the film for unrestricted public exhibition with an endorsement to that effect; or] 

(ii) sanction the film for public exhibition restricted to adults; or 

8[(iia) sanction the film for public exhibition restricted to members of any profession or any class 

of persons, having regard to the nature, content and theme of the film; or] 

9[(iii)  direct  the  applicant  to  carry  out  such  excisions  or  modifications  in  the  film  as  it  thinks 

necessary before sanctioning the film for public exhibition under any of the foregoing clauses; or] 

(iv) refuse to sanction the film for public exhibition. 

1. Ins. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
2. Clause (h) omitted by Act 33 of 2021, s. 9 (w.e.f.4-4-2021). 
2. Subs. by Act 3 of 1959, s. 4, for sections 3 to 6. 
3. Subs. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 3, for “Board of Film Censors” (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
4. Subs. by s. 3, ibid., for “not more than nine” (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
5. The word “or” omitted by s. 4, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
6. The proviso added by s. 4, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
7. Ins. by s. 4, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
8. Subs. by s. 4, ibid., for clause (iii) (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 

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(2) No action under 1[the proviso to clause (i), clause (ii), clause (iia), clause (iii) or clause (iv)] of 
sub-section  (1)  shall  be  taken  by  the  Board  except  after  giving  an  opportunity  to  the  applicant  for 
representing his views in the matter. 

5. Advisory panels.—(1) For the purpose of enabling the Board to efficiently discharge its functions 
under  this  Act, the  Central  Government  may  establish  at  such  regional  centers as it  thinks fit,  advisory 
panels each of which shall consist of such number of persons, being persons qualified in the opinion of 
the Central Government to judge the effect of films on the public, as the Central Government may think 
fit to appoint thereto. 

(2) At each regional center there shall be as many regional officers as the Central Government may 
think fit to appoint, and rules made in this behalf may provide for the association of regional officers in 
the examination of films. 

(3) The Board may consult in such manner as may be prescribed, any advisory panel in respect of any 

film for which an application for a certificate has been made. 

(4) It shall be the duty of every such advisory panel whether acting as a body or in committees as may 
be provided in the rules made in this behalf to examine the film and to make such recommendations to the 
Board as it thinks fit. 

(5) The members of the advisory panel shall not be entitled to any salary but shall receive such fees or 

allowances as may be prescribed. 

5A. Certification of films.—2[(1) If, after examining a film or having it examined in the prescribed 

manner, the Board considers that— 

(a) the film is suitable for unrestricted public exhibition, or, as the case may be, for unrestricted 

public  exhibition  with  an  endorsement  of  the  nature  mentioned  in  the  proviso  to  clause  (i)  of                  
sub-section (1) of section 4, it shall grant to the person applying for a certificate in respect of the film 
a “U” certificate or, as the case may be, a “UA” certificate; or 

(b) the film is not suitable for unrestricted public exhibition, but is suitable for public exhibition 
restricted to adults or, as the case may be, is suitable for public exhibition restricted to members of 
any profession or any class of persons, it shall grant to the person applying for a certificate in respect 
of the film an “A” certificate or, as the case may be, a “S” certificate, 

and cause the film to be so marked in the prescribed manner: 

Provided  that  the  applicant  for  the  certificate,  any  distributor  or  exhibitor  or  any  other  person  to 
whom  the  rights  in  the  film  have  passed  shall  not  be  liable  for  punishment  under  any  law  relating  to 
obscenity  in  respect  of  any  matter  contained  in  the  film  for  which  certificate  has  been  granted  under 
clause (a) or clause (b).] 

(2)  A  certificate  granted  or  an  order  refusing  to  grant  a  certificate  in  respect  of  any  film  shall  be 

published in the Gazette of India. 

(3) Subject to the other provisions contained in this Act, a certificate granted by the Board under this 

section shall be valid throughout India for a period of ten years. 

5B.  Principles  of  guidance  in  certifying  films.—(1)  A  film  shall  not  be  certified  for  public 
exhibition if, in the opinion of the authority competent to grant the certificate, the film or any part of it is 
against the interests of 3[the sovereignty and integrity of India] the security of the State, friendly relations 

1. Subs. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 4, for “clause (ii), clause (iii) or clause (iv)” (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
2. Subs. by s. 5, ibid., for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
3. Ins. by s. 6, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 

5 

 
                                                           
with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or involves defamation or contempt of court or is 
likely to incite the commission of any offence. 

(2)  Subject  to  the  provisions  contained  in  sub-section  (1),  the  Central  Government  may  issue  such 
directions as it may think fit setting out the principles which shall guide the authority competent to grant 
certificates under this Act in sanctioning films for public exhibition. 

1[5C.  Appeals.—(1) Any person applying for a certificate in respect of a film who is aggrieved by 

any order of the Board— 

(a) refusing to grant a certificate; or 

(b) granting only an “A” certificate; or 

(c) granting only a “S” certificate; or 

(d) granting only a “UA” certificate; or 

(e) directing the applicant to carry out any excisions or modifications,  

may, within thirty days from the date of such order, prefer an appeal to the 2[High Court]: 

Provided that the  2[High Court] may, if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient 
cause from filing the appeal within the aforesaid period of thirty days, allow such appeal to be admitted 
within a further period of thirty days. 

3* 

* 

* 

* 

* 

5D. [Constitution of Appellate Tribunal].--Omitted by the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 (33 of 2021), 

s. 9 (w.e.f. 4-4-2021). 

5E.  Suspension  and  revocation  of  certificate.—(1)  Notwithstanding  anything  contained  in                  

sub-section (2) of section 6, the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, suspend 
a certificate granted under this Part, for such period as it thinks fit or may revoke such certificate if it is 
satisfied that— 

(i) the film in respect of which the certificate was granted, was being exhibited in a form other 

than the one in which it was certified; or 

(ii) the film or any part thereof is being exhibited in contravention of the provisions of this Part or 

the rules made thereunder. 

(2)  Where  a  notification  under  sub-section  (1)  has  been  published,  the  Central  Government  may 
require  the  applicant  for  certificate  or  any  other  person  to  whom  the  rights  in  the  film  have  passed,  or 
both, to deliver up the certificate and all duplicate certificates, if any, granted in respect of the film to the 
Board or to any person or authority specified in the said notification. 

(3)  No  action  under  this  section  shall  be  taken  except  after  giving  an  opportunity  to  the  person 

concerned for representing his views in the matter. 

(4) During the period in which a certificate remains suspended under this section, the film shall be 

deemed to be an uncertified film. 

5F.  Review  of  orders  by  Central  Government.—(1)  Where  an  applicant  for  a  certificate  or  any 
other  person  to  whom  the  rights  in  the  film  have  passed,  is  aggrieved  by  any  order  of  the  Central 
Government under section 5E, he may, within sixty days of the date of publication of the notification in 

1. Subs. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 7, for section 5C (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
2. Subs. by Act 33 of 2021, s. 9, for “Tribunal” (w.e.f. 4-4-2021). 
3. Sub-section (2) omitted by s. 9, ibid. (w.e.f. 4-4-2021). 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
the Official Gazette, make an application to the Central Government for review of the order, setting out in 
such application the grounds on which he considers such review to be necessary: 

Provided that the Central Government may, if it is satisfied that the applicant for a certificate or that 
other person was prevented by sufficient cause from filing an application for review within the aforesaid 
period of sixty days, allow such application to be filed within a further period of sixty days. 

(2) On receipt of the application under sub-section (1), the Central Government may, after giving the 
aggrieved  person  a  reasonable  opportunity  of  being  heard,  and  after  making  such  further  inquiry,  as  it 
may consider necessary, pass such order as it thinks fit, confirming, modifying or reversing its decision 
and the Board shall dispose of the matter in conformity with such order.] 

6. Revisional powers of the Central Government.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this 
Part,  the  Central  Government  1 [may,  of  its  own  motion,  at  any  stage,]  call  for  the  record  of  any 
proceeding in relation to any film which is pending before, or has been decided by, the Board, 2*** and 
after such inquiry, into the matter as it considers necessary, make such order in relation thereto as it thinks 
fit, and the Board shall dispose of the matter in conformity with such order: 

Provided that no such order shall be made prejudicially affecting any person applying for a certificate 
or to whom a certificate has been granted, as the case may be, except after giving him an opportunity for 
representing his views in the matter: 

3[Provided further  that  nothing  in  this  sub-section  shall  require  the  Central  Government  to  disclose 

any fact which it considers to be against public interest to disclose.] 

(2)  Without  prejudice to  the  powers  conferred  on it under  sub-section  (1),  the  Central  Government 

may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that— 

(a) a film which has been granted a certificate shall be deemed to be an uncertified film in the 

whole or any part of India; or 

(b) a film which has been granted a  “U” certificate  1[or a  “UA” certificate or a  “S” certificate] 

shall be deemed to be a film in respect of which an “A” certificate has been granted; or 

(c) the exhibition of any film be suspended for such period as may be specified in the direction: 

Provided  that  no  direction  issued  under  clause  (c)  shall  remain  in  force  for  more  than  two  months 

from the date of the notification. 

(3) No action shall be taken under clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section (2) except after giving an 

opportunity to the person concerned for representing his views in the matter. 

(4) During the period in which a film remains suspended under clause (c) of sub-section (2), the film 

shall be deemed to be an uncertified film.] 

4[6A.  Information  and  documents  to  be  given  to  distributors  and  exhibitors  with  respect  to 
certified films.—Any person who delivers any certified film to any distributor or exhibitor shall, in such 
manner as may be prescribed, notify to the distributor or exhibitor, as the case may be, the title, the length 
of the film, the number and the nature of the certificate granted in respect thereof and the conditions, if 
any, subject to which it has been so granted, and any other particulars respecting the film which may be 
prescribed.] 

1. Subs. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 9, for “may at any stage” (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
2. The words and brackets “or, as the case may be, decided by the Tribunal (but not including any proceeding in respect of any 

matter which is pending before the Tribunal)” omitted by Act 33 of 2021, s. 9 (w.e.f. 4-4-2021). 

3. Ins. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 9, (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
4. Ins. by Act 19 of 1953, s. 3 (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 

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6B.  [Offences  to  be  cognizable]—Omitted  by  the  Cinematograph  (Amendment)  Act,  1984  s.  2               

(w.e.f. 27-8-1984).  

7. Penalties for contraventions of this Part.—1[(1) If any person— 

(a) exhibits or permits to be exhibited in any place— 

(i) any film other than a film which has been certified by the board as suitable for unrestricted 
public exhibition or for public exhibition restricted to adults 2[or to members of any profession or 
any class of persons] and which, when exhibited, displays the prescribed mark of the Board and 
has not been altered or tampered with in any way since such mark was affixed thereto, 

(ii) any film, which has been certified by the Board as suitable for public exhibition restricted 

to adults, to any person who is not an adult, 3* * *. 

4[(iia)  any  film  which  has  been  certified  by  the  Board  as  suitable  for  public  exhibition 
restricted  to  any  profession  or  class  of  persons,  to  a  person  who  is  not  a  member  of  such 
profession or who is not a member of such class, or] 

(b) without lawful authority (the burden of proving which shall be on him), alters or tampers with 

in any way, any film after it has been certified, or 

(c)  fails  to  comply  with  the  provision  contained  in  section  6A  or  with  any  order  made  by  the 
Central Government or by the Board in the exercise of any of the powers or functions conferred on it 
by this Act or the rules made thereunder, 

4[he  shall  be  punishable  with  imprisonment  for  a  term  which  may  extend  to  three  years,  or  with  fine 
which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both, and in the case of a continuing offence with a further 
fine which may extend to twenty thousand rupees for each day during which the offence continues: 

Provided  that  a  person  who  exhibits  or  permits  to  be  exhibited  in  any  place  a  video  film  in 
contravention of the provisions of sub-clause (i) of clause (a) shall be punishable with imprisonment for a 
term which shall not be less than three months, but which may extend to three years and with fine which 
shall not be less than twenty thousand rupees, but which may extend to one lakh rupees, and in the case of 
a continuing offence with a further fine which may extend to twenty thousand rupees for each day during 
which the offence continues: 

Provided further that a court may, for adequate and special reasons to be mentioned in the judgment, 
impose  a  sentence  of  imprisonment  for  a  term  of  less  than  three  months,  or  a  fine  of  less  than  twenty 
thousand rupees]: 

1[Provided  further  that]  notwithstanding  anything  contained  in  section  29  of  the  Code  of  Criminal 
Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), it shall be lawful for any Metropolitan Magistrate, or any Judicial Magistrate 
of the first class specially empowered by the State Government in this behalf, to pass a sentence of fine 
exceeding five thousand rupees on any person convicted of any offence punishable under this Part: 

1[Provided  also]  that  no  distributor  or  exhibitor  or  owner  or  employee  of  a  cinema  house  shall  be 
liable to punishment for contravention of any condition of endorsement of caution on a film certified as 
“UA” under this Part.] 

(2) If any person is convicted of an offence punishable under this section committed by him in respect 

of any film, the convicting court may further direct that the film shall be forfeited to the Government. 

1. Subs. by Act 49 of 1981,  s. 4, for sub-section (1). 
2. Ins. by s. 11, ibid.,  (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
3. The word “or” omitted by s. 11, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
4. Subs. by Act 56 of 1984, s. 3, for certain words (w.e.f. 29-8-1984). 

8 

 
                                                           
(3) The exhibition of a film, in respect of which an  “A” certificate 1[or a  “S” certificate or  a “UA” 
certificate]  has  been  granted,  to  children  below  the  age  of  three  years  accompanying  their  parents  or 
guardians shall not be deemed to be an offence within the meaning of this section. 

2[7A. Power of seizure.—(1) Where a film in respect of which no certificate has been granted under 
this Act is exhibited, or a film certified as suitable for public exhibition restricted to adults is exhibited to 
any  person  who  is  not  an  adult  or  a  film  is  exhibited  in  contravention  of  any  of  the  other  provisions 
contained in this Act or of any order made by the Central Government 3[, the 4[High Court]] or the Board 
in the exercise of any of the powers conferred on it, any police officer may, 5*** enter any place in which 
he has reason to believe that the film has been or is being or is likely to be exhibited, search it and seize 
the film. 

(2) All searches under this Act shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the 6[Code of 

Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)], relating to searches. 

7B.  Delegation  of  powers  by  Board.—7[(1)]  The  Central  Government  may,  by  general  or  special 
order, direct that any power, authority or jurisdiction exercisable by the Board under this Act shall, 8[in 
relation to the certification of the films under this Part] and subject to such condition, if any, as may be 
specified  in  the  order,  be  exercisable  also  by  the  Chairman  or  any  other  member  of  the  Board,  and 
anything done or action taken by the Chairman or other member specified in the order shall be deemed to 
be a thing done or action taken by the Board. 

9[(2) The Central Government may, by order and subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be 

prescribed, authorise the regional officers to issue provisional certificates.] 

7C. Power to direct exhibition of films for examination.—For the purpose of exercising any of the 
powers  conferred  on  it  by  this  Act,  the  Central  Government 10[,  the  4[High  Court]  ]  or  the  Board  may 
require  any  film  to  be  exhibited  before  it  or  before 11[any  person  or  authority]  specified  by  it  in  this 
behalf. 

7D. Vacancies, etc., not to invalidate proceeding.—No act or proceeding of 12***, the Board or of 
any  advisory  panel  shall  be  deemed to  be invalid  by  reason  only  of  a  vacancy in,  or  any  defect  in,  the 
constitution of 6*** the Board or panel, as the case may be. 

7E. Members of the Board and advisory panels to be public servants.—All members of 12*** the 
Board  and  of  any  advisory  panel  shall,  when  acting  or  purporting  to  act  in  pursuance  of  any  of  the 
provisions of this Act, be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian 
Penal Code (45 of 1860). 

7F.  Bar  of  legal  proceedings.—No  suit  or  other  legal  proceeding  shall  lie  against 13[the  Central 
Government,  12***  the  Board],  advisory  panel  or  any  officer  or  member  of 14[the  Central  Government, 
12*** the Board or] advisory panel, as the case may be, in respect of anything which is in good faith done 
or intended to be done under this Act.] 

1. Ins. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 11 (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
2. Ins. by Act 3 of 1959, s. 5. 
3. Ins. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 12 (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
4. Subs. by Act 33 of 2021, s. 9, for  “Tribunal”  (w.e.f. 4-4-2021). 
5. Certain words omitted by Act 49 of 1981, s. 12 (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
6. Subs. by s. 12, ibid., for “Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898)” (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
7. Section 7B re-numbered as sub-section (1) thereof  by s. 13, ibid.  (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
8. Subs. by s. 13, ibid., for “in relation to such matters” (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
9. Ins. by s. 13, ibid.  (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
10. Ins. by s. 14, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
11. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for “any person” (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
12. The words “the Tribunal” omitted by Act 33 of 2021, s. 9 (w.e.f. 4-4-2021). 
13. Subs. by Act 49 of 1981,  s. 17, for “the Central Government, the Board” (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
14. Subs. by s. 17, ibid., for “the Central Government, Board or” (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 

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8. Power to make rules.—(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, 

make rules for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this Part. 

1[(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, rules made under 

this section may provide for— 

(a) the allowances or fees payable to the members of the Board; 

(b) the terms and conditions of service of the members of the Board; 

(c) the manner of making an application to the Board for a certificate and the manner in which a 

film has to be examined by the Board and the fees to be levied therefore; 

(d) the association of regional officers in the examination of films, the conditions and restrictions 
subject to which regional officers may be authorised under section 7B to issue provisional certificates 
and the period of validity of such certificates; 

(e) the manner in which the Board may consult any advisory panel in respect of any film; 

(f) the allowances or fees payable to the members of advisory panel; 

(g) the marking of the films; 

2* 

* 

* 

* 

*; 

(l) the conditions (including conditions relating to the length of films in general or any class of 
films,  in particular) subject  to  which any  certificate may  be  granted, or  the  circumstances in  which 
any certificate shall be refused; 

(m) any other matter which is required to be or may be prescribed.] 

3[(3) Every rule made by the Central Government under this Part shall be laid, as soon as may be after 
it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which 
may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the 
session  immediately  following  the  session  or  the  successive  sessions  aforesaid,  both  Houses  agree  in 
making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall, 
thereafter, have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that 
any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done 
under that rule.] 

9.  Power  to  exempt.—The  Central  Government  may,  by  order  in  writing  exempt,  subject  to  such 
conditions and restrictions, if any, as it may impose, the exhibition of any film or class of films from any of 
the provisions of this Part or of any rules made thereunder. 

REGULATION OF EXHIBITIONS BY MEANS OF CINEMATOGRAPHS 

PART III 

10. Cinematograph exhibitions to be licensed.—Save as otherwise provided in this Part, no person 
shall give an exhibition by means of a cinematograph elsewhere than in a place licensed under this Part or 
otherwise than in compliance with any conditions and restrictions imposed by such licence. 

11. Licensing authority.—The authority having power to grant licences under this Part (hereinafter 

referred to as the licensing authority) shall be the district magistrate: 

1. Subs. by Act 49 of 1981,  s. 18, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
2. Clauses (h), (i), (j) and (k) omitted by Act 33 of 2021, s. 9 (w.e.f. 4-4-2021). 
3. Subs. by Act 25 of 1973, s. 4, for sub-section (3). 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
Provided  that the  State  Government  may,  by  notification  in the  Official  Gazette,  constitute,  for the 
whole or any part of a 1[Union territory], such other authority as it may specify in the notification to be 
the licensing authority for the purposes of this Part. 

12.  Restrictions  on  powers  of  licensing  authority.—(1)  The  licensing  authority  shall  not  grant  a 

licence under this Part, unless it is satisfied that— 

(a) the rules made under this Part have been substantially complied with, and 

(b)  adequate  precautions  have  been  taken  in  the  place,  in  respect  of  which  the  licence  is  to  be 

given, to provide for the safety of persons attending exhibitions therein. 

(2) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this section and to the control of the State Government, the 
licensing authority may grant licences under this Part to such persons as that authority thinks fit and on 
such terms and conditions and subject to such restrictions as it may determine. 

(3) Any person aggrieved by the decision of a licensing authority refusing to grant a licence under this 
Part may, within such time as may be prescribed, appeal to the State Government or to such officer as the 
State Government may specify in this behalf and the State Government or the officer, as the case may be, 
may make such order in the case as it or he thinks fit. 

(4) The Central Government may, from time to time, issue directions to licensees generally or to any 
licensee  in  particular  for  the  purpose  of  regulating  the  exhibition  of  any  film  or  class  of  films,  so  that 
scientific  films,  films  intended  for  educational  purposes,  films  dealing  with  news  and  current  events, 
documentary films or indigenous films secure an adequate opportunity of being exhibited, and where any 
such  directions  have  been  issued  those  directions  shall  be  deemed  to  be  additional  conditions  and 
restrictions subject to which the licence has been granted. 

13.  Power  of  Central  Government  or  local  authority  to  suspend  exhibition  of  films  in  certain 
cases.—(1) The Lieutenant-Governor or, as the case may be, the Chief Commissioner, in respect of the 
2[whole or any part of a Union territory], and the District Magistrate in respect of the district within his 
jurisdiction, may, if he is of opinion that any film which is being publicly exhibited is likely to cause a 
breach of the peace, by order, suspend the exhibition of the film and during such suspension the film shall 
be deemed to be an uncertified film in the State, part or district, as the case may be. 

(2) Where  an order  under sub-section (1)  has been issued  by  the  Chief  Commissioner  or  a  District 
Magistrate,  as  the  case  may  be,  a  copy  thereof,  together  with  a  statement  of  reasons  therefore,  shall 
forthwith  be  forwarded  by  the  person  making  the  same  to  the  Central  Government,  and  the  Central 
Government may either confirm or discharge the order. 

(3) An order made under this section shall remain in force for a period of two months from the date 
thereof, but the Central Government may, if it is of opinion that the order should continue in force, direct 
that the period of suspension shall be extended by such further period as it thinks fit. 

14. Penalties for contravention of this Part.—If the owner or person in charge of a cinematograph 
uses the same or allows it to be used, or if the owner or occupier of any place permits that place to be used 
in  contravention  of  the  provisions  of  this  Part  or  of  the  rule  made  thereunder,  or  of  the  conditions  and 
restrictions upon or subject to which any licence has been granted under this Part, he shall be punishable 
with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees and, in the case of a continuing offence, with a further 
fine which may extend to one hundred rupees for each day during which the offence continues. 

15. Power to revoke licence.—Where the holder of a licence has been convicted of an offence under 

section 7 or section 14, the licence may be revoked by the licensing authority. 

1. Subs. by Act 58 of 1960, s. 3 and Schedule II, for “Part C State”. 
2. Subs. by Act 58 of 1960, s. 3 and Schedule II, for “whole Part C State or any part thereof”. 

11 

 
                                                           
16.  Power  to  make  rules.—1[(1)]  The  Central  Government  may,  by  notification  in  the  Official 

Gazette, make rules— 

(a)  prescribing  the  terms,  conditions  and  restrictions,  if  any,  subject  to  which  licences  may  be 

granted under this Part; 

(b) providing for the regulation of cinematograph exhibitions for securing the public safety; 

(c)  prescribing  the  time  within  which  and  the  conditions  subject  to  which  an  appeal  under              

sub-section (3) of section 12 may be preferred. 

2[(2) Every rule made by the Central Government under this Part shall be laid, as soon as may be after 
it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which 
may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the 
session  immediately  following  the  session  or  the  successive  sessions  aforesaid,  both  Houses  agree  in 
making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall 
thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that 
any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done 
under that rule. 

17.  Power  to  exempt.—The Central Government may, by order in writing exempt, subject to such 
conditions  and  restrictions  as  it  may  impose,  any  cinematograph  exhibition  or  class  of  cinematograph 
exhibitions from any of the provisions of this Part or of any rules made thereunder. 

PART IV 

REPEAL 

18. Repeal.—The Cinematograph Act, 1918 (2 of 1918) is hereby repealed: 

Provided that in relation to Part A States and Part B States the repeal shall have effect only in so far as 

the said Act relates to the sanctioning of cinematograph films for exhibition. 

1. Section 16 re-numbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 49 of 1981, s. 19 (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 
2. Ins. by s. 19, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983). 

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